Notarizing Documents In California & The Laws

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• NotaryLive, an online notary service, offers convenient online notarization in California
• All you need is your document and a device with internet access to notarize online
• Say goodbye to travel and extra expenses with NotaryLive's remote notary public service

Getting a document notarized online in California has never been easier, thanks to NotaryLive.

Only certain states allow notaries to become commissioned online notaries. But no matter what your state laws are, you can notarize documents online.

Note: A Notary Law of California Remote Online Notarization (RON) law to be aware of: 

Notaries commissioned in California cannot conduct remote online notarizations until 2030. 

However, clients in California can still get their documents notarized from an online notary not commissioned in California remotely. 

1. How To Notarize Documents Online in California with NotaryLive

Gather everything you need

To begin notarizing a document online with NotaryLive, all you need is:

• The document you want to notarize
• A device connected to the internet with camera/microphone capabilities
• And either a valid driver’s license or passport (to verify your identity)

Uploading Your Document

Firstly, you will begin by uploading your document. You can either do this from your desktop or by using the QR code we provide you during the session.

Verifying Your Identity 

Have your ID ready. You can use your driver’s license, passport, or any government-issued ID to verify your identity. You will upload a picture of your ID front and back. Make sure to follow the correct requirements to do this.

Answer the KBA Questions

After uploading your ID, you will be brought to the KBA Questions. Which are the questions you should get correct (especially if you are who you say you are). 

Questions can be about where you live, where you work, or your car model. 

Connecting with the online notary

The system confirms your identity using secure ID technology. Then an online notary connects with you live over webcam.

The remote notary public will verify your identity

Once connected, the licensed notary public double-checks the signers’ identities before starting the notarization.

They do this by comparing your information/ID to the person they see before them on camera (you). 

Get your document notarized 

The remote online notary watches you sign, adds their digital notary seal/notary stamp, and then you’re done! No need for wet signatures.

Access your notarized document online

When the session ends, you’ll get your notarized document by email. You can also download it anytime from your dashboard to see the digital notary public stamp on the document.

2. Basic RON (Remote Online Notarization) Tools 

Most online notarization services use the same generic tools for remote online notarization.

Here is the list: 

• Digital Signatures: enable you to digitally sign documents online
• Identity Verification: secure methods that verify your identity and prevent fraud
• Audit Trails: a record of all actions taken during the notarization process
• Secure Storage: to safely store notarized documents
• Live Video: face-to-face sessions
• Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): questions based on personal information

3. Remote Online Notarization Laws in California

When was RON permitted in California? 

California will permit remote online notarization on January 1st, 2030, under Senate Bill 696.

While SB 696 approves online notary, implementation may take time to become fully operational.

Notaries commissioned in California will not be able to conduct remote online notarizations until 2030. 

Notarial Certificate Elements 

• Venue: where the notarization occurred
• Date: the date of the notarization
• Name of Principal Signer: person who appears before the online notary
• Notary's Official Signature
• Official Notarial Seal 
• Title of Office: the notary's official title

Different Types of Documents require signing and notarizing in California 

• Power of Attorney
• Divorce Papers
• Car Release Documents
• Real Estate Documents
• Affidavit of Inability to Appear for Marriage because of incarceration
• Legal documents

. . . Many more documents and official statements! 

Recognition of Out-of-State RON

SB 696 -→ Notarial and online notarial acts performed out of state will be legally recognized in California in 2030.

2. Start Notarizing Documents Online with NotaryLive

No longer do you have to search "notary near me" or "notary services near me" when finding a local notary.

Where can I get something notarized, then?

With NotaryLive, an online notary service, you can notarize documents in minutes, no travel, no time off work, no wasted day.

Check out our blog for more information on which states notaries can become online notaries. 

Here's how NotaryLive works in 4 easy steps; 

How NotaryLive Works 

To get started, you can click the button below.

Notarize Now!

Take that extra time and money to spend it on a trip to San Diego, San Francisco, or Los Angeles.

For more benefits and features of NotaryLive . . . 

Visit our California Remote Online Notary page. 

Is Your Business Looking to Upgrade Its Notarization Process? 

NotaryLive for Business makes frequent notarizations easy. Business accounts come with extra options like…

• Creating sessions for their Clients
• Adding Multiple Users
• Viewing Clients’ Notarized Documents
• Single-Use or Monthly Billing (Great for high volume!)
• Volume Pricing Options
• Optional API and White Label Integration
• Plus all standard account features

About NotaryLive

NotaryLive is a leading provider of digital notarization and eSign solutions, dedicated to enhancing business efficiency through a secure, user-friendly platform that prioritizes understanding and meeting customer needs. By offering innovative tools for electronic signatures and online notarization, NotaryLive empowers professionals to manage documents and notarize documents online, anywhere, any time.

FAQ For RON in California 

• How much does a notary cost? 
• Using NotaryLive, it only costs $25 for an individual session. For businesses looking to notarize a higher volume of documents online, visit our Pricing Page.
• Is it necessary to be a US citizen to utilize our service? 
• No. To verify your identity, you must be a U.S. citizen or have a U.S.-based public profile. However, if you do not meet these requirements, you can have a witness verify your identity.
• What are the system requirements for remote online notarization? 
• To use NotaryLive, you just need a phone, tablet, or computer with internet, a camera, a microphone, and sound.
• How much does the remote online notarial session cost with NotaryLive? 
• Sessions start at $25, and we discount them based on your account type and monthly volume.. For more pricing information, visit our Pricing Page.
• What are the POA witness requirements for California?
• For more information, visit our state chart on our blog.

Relevant Blogs 

• What is Online Notarization?
• What are the benefits of notarizing online?
• What businesses could benefit the most from online notary services? 
• Why You Should Use NotaryLive Instead of Mobile Notary Services